The Universalist. [volume] (Chicago [Ill.]) 1884-1897, 1887-04-30
SueciaI Contributors.
CHURCH ADMINISTRATION.
BY REV. JAMES GORTON.
Cedar Falls, Iowa.l

Cedar Falls, Iowa.l
We are to survey the church CON-
pletely organized, and to consider how
we shall operate or administer that Or
ganization. But the pastor in many
fields of labor into which be may go,
finds the elements unorganized, or in
completely organized. And so his work
will consist, at first, at least, and as
rapidly as shall be found to be expedi-
ent, in the instituting, or perfecting of
such organizations as the conditions
may require, and as shall furnish a
complete body or instrument for doing
the work, exerting the influence, achiev-
ing the ends desired.
The organization of church need
not necessarily be the same in all COM
munities. The character, condition
and needs Of the particular community
must determine the nature Of the Or
ganization, or plexus of organizations
that shall be best.
Having the organization, there is a
wise and an unwise way to administer.
There is way to administer that in
creases life and power, that promotes
growth and success. The right admin
istration of an organized church con-
sists in the wise, and vigorous, and
constant administration of all the func-
tions of the different organizations
which it includes and in breathing
into an this use, ana thf5dgh q 4 all, th5
spirit of that divine life revealed in
Jesus. For the mere working OF any
machinery, however perfect the ma
chinery, or perfectly worked, cannot
bring true and permanent life and pow
er and success to a Christian church.
Nor do we affirm that there is but
one right way to administer, and that
every church must be administered in
exactly the same way. There are many
right ways to administer, although the
general principles of administration
may be the same in all churches. So
the particular mode of administration
may be greatly varied in different
churches, or indeed in the same church
from time to time, depending upon the
circumstances and conditions of each
church, the character of the community
in the midst of which it exists, the in
dividual elements of which the church
is composed, the taste and tact, the
genius and energy of any particular
pastor or people.
In the modern church there is ten
dency, and perhaps wise and neces-
sary tendency to multiply organizations.
Modern life is many-sided. 1t has many
interests. Modern civilization is vast
complexity of interests and influences.
The Christian church is set in the midst
of these. 1t seeks to touch men on as
many sides as possible, to exert infu-
ence in all benefcent directions, to
guide and sanctify all the great inter-
ests of human life. And so we have in
the church the parish organization for
business, the church organization prop
er, to bring as many souls as possible
into vital spiritual relations with the
life of Christ, and into personal and
organic membership in the visible
church, as an instrument of mutual
spiritual communion, association and
help.
We have the Sunday y-sch0Ol for the
religious instruction and training of
the young. Besides these we may have
social organizations, benevolent Organi-
cations, missionary societies, schools of
special help and industry, Kindergar-
tens, literary clubs. All these, and
perhaps others, unnamed, are legitimate
parts of complete church organization
in our modern life. They may not all
be necessary in every community. Let
us only institute III particular COM
munity what we need and what we can
use. Let us institute nothing to be
neglected and to die. Whatever organ
izations we have, let us administer each
and every one of them with such ua-
broken continuity of wisdom and en-
ergy, as shall constantly bring from
each the largest and best results in that
which it was set to accomplish. In the
modern church, with its many inter
ests aud organizations, work must b'
divided, and wisely assigned and pro
portioned. We cannot all of us worl
at all things equally well. We hav'
different tastes and talents. Nor hayt